Worth the wait

October 04, 2012

Voters will not have to show their photo ID next month to cast a ballot.

On Tuesday Commonwealth Court Judge Robert Simpson said the new voter ID rule could not go into effect until after the Nov. 6 election. The ruling allows the full law to go into effect next year, but he could still decide later to issue a permanent injunction as part of the ongoing legal challenge to the law's constitutionality.

According to the Department of State, now voters will be asked, but not required, to show an acceptable form of identification to vote.

The delay will allow the small minority of people without photo ID cards to have one by the next election.

Having a photo ID should not be a burden. Most every aspect of business adults deal with requires an ID. Americans should have some form of ID to protect themselves from fraud.

Democratic opponents of the law said it was designed by Republicans to disenfranchise voters. In Pennsylvania a low voter turnout has typically helped Republican candidates, according to The Associated Press.

However with most everyone already needing an ID card for other aspects of their lives, including a drivers license, this requirement should not deter anyone from voting.

If constituents need a little more time to acquire an ID, this delay makes sense. When enacted the law should reduce voter fraud that has been reported in larger metropolitan areas.